Temperature control of energy recovery cylinder

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. In accordance with the invention, a device for adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an implement with an element movablevia at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recoverycylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of themovable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a traveling implement, inparticular an excavator or a machine for material handling. Inparticular, the working drive comprises a working hydraulic cylinder.

In such implements, the gas-filled chamber of the energy recoverycylinder is compressed when lowering the movable element and thus storesthe potential energy, in order to release the same again during anupward movement of the movable element for supporting the working drive.

From DE 10 2008 034 582 A1 an implement is known, in which thegas-filled chamber of the energy recovery cylinder is formed by thegas-filled bottom side of the energy recovery cylinder and the hollowpiston rod of the energy recovery cylinder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to further improve thefunction of an implement with an energy recovery cylinder with a chamberfilled with gas.

In accordance with the invention, this object is solved by an implementaccording to the description herein. The present invention discloses animplement, in particular a traveling implement, in particular anexcavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movablevia at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recoverycylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of themovable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas, whereinaccording to the invention a device for adjusting the temperature of theenergy recovery cylinder is provided. This takes account of the findingthat the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder or the gas presenttherein is decisive for the operation of the implement. In accordancewith the invention, the temperature of the energy recovery cylindertherefore can be adjusted. In this way, unfavorable temperaturesituations can be avoided or improved.

It can be provided that the device for adjusting the temperature of theenergy recovery cylinder provides for a heating of the energy recoverycylinder. In particular, for example at cold ambient temperatures, theenergy recovery cylinder thus can be brought to a certain operatingtemperature. Heating the energy recovery cylinder can be effected indifferent ways.

In particular, a heating element can be provided, by which the energyrecovery cylinder is heated. The heating element can be arranged at theenergy recovery cylinder, in particular at the cylinder jacket.Advantageously, the heating element is an electrically operated heatingelement.

Furthermore, heating can be effected via a heat exchanger. Inparticular, this advantageously is a heat exchanger as it will bedescribed in detail below. Advantageously, the heat exchanger isconnected to a heat circuit. In particular, a heating element forheating the fluid in the heat circuit is provided in the heat circuit,in particular an electric heating element.

Heating can also be effected via a friction element. In particular, thefriction element according to the invention increases the frictionduring a movement of the energy recovery cylinder. In particular, thefriction element generates friction heat between the friction elementand the cylinder rod of the energy recovery cylinder, when the cylinderrod is moved with respect to the cylinder jacket. Advantageously, thefriction element is provided with an actuator and thus can be actuated.In particular, the contact pressure of the friction elementadvantageously can be controlled via the actuator.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the device for adjusting thetemperature of the energy recovery cylinder provides for cooling theenergy recovery cylinder. In particular, an uncontrolled heating of theenergy recovery cylinder during operation can be counteracted thereby.

Advantageously, cooling is effected via a heat exchanger.Advantageously, this heat exchanger is configured such as it has beendescribed above.

Advantageously, the adjustment of the temperature of the energy recoverycylinder in the present invention is effected by a selective actuationof the device for adjusting the temperature by a controller.Particularly preferably, the device for adjusting the temperature of theenergy recovery cylinder is actuated on the basis of at least oneoperating parameter of the implement.

Furthermore advantageously, a temperature sensor is provided inaccordance with the invention, wherein the actuation of the device foradjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is effected onthe basis of a signal of the temperature sensor. In particular, suchtemperature sensor advantageously provides for controlling thetemperature of the energy recovery cylinder.

In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the temperaturesensor measures the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder and/orthe temperature of the gas in the chamber filled with gas and/or thetemperature of a cooling fluid. This provides for a control orregulation of the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder or thetemperature of the gas in the gas-filled chamber of the energy recoverycylinder. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature sensor can alsomeasure the outside temperature. This also provides for an effectiveactuation of the device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder.

The implement can include a controller by which the device for adjustingthe temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is actuated such thatthe energy recovery cylinder is heated below a first thresholdtemperature. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that thedevice for adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder isactuated by the controller such that the energy recovery cylinder iscooled above a second threshold temperature.

Furthermore, it can be provided alternatively or in addition that theenergy recovery cylinder undergoes no cooling and/or heating within atemperature window. By switching off the device for adjusting thetemperature within a certain temperature window, the energy consumptionfor adjusting the temperature can be kept as low as possible.

In accordance with the invention, the energy recovery cylinder cancomprise a heat exchanger which is connected to a cooling circuitthrough which a cooling fluid flows. Depending on its configuration, thecooling circuit can be used for cooling and/or for heating the energyrecovery cylinder.

Advantageously, the cooling circuit includes a cooling unit for coolingthe cooling fluid. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided thatthe cooling circuit includes a heating unit for heating the coolingfluid. Furthermore, it can be provided that the cooling circuit includesa pump for circulating the cooling fluid. By actuating the pump, thecooling unit and/or the heating unit, the cooling and/or heating of theenergy recovery cylinder thus can be actuated in accordance with theinvention.

The actuation of the device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder need not necessarily only serve for adjusting thetemperature of the energy recovery cylinder, but can also serve foradjusting the temperature of further components of the implement.

Advantageously, the cooling circuit of the energy recovery cylinder isconnected to the cooling circuit of a further component of theimplement. In particular, the cooling circuit is the cooling circuit ofan internal combustion engine and/or of a hydraulic system of theimplement. Internal combustion engines and/or hydraulic systems usuallyalready include a cooling circuit. The same usually operates on thebasis of a cooling liquid.

By connecting the energy recovery cylinder to the cooling circuit of afurther component of the implement, two problems can be solved alreadyin an extremely inexpensive and simple way. The cooling circuit of thecomponent usually always has a constant temperature. As a result, theenergy recovery cylinder can be heated to a certain operatingtemperature at the beginning of the operation.

The second point is the cooling of the energy recovery cylinder by thecooling circuit. It can thereby be prevented that the temperature canrise excessively and thus the existing pressure relief valves, which aredesigned as burst fuses, are activated. Alternatively, however, aseparate cooling arrangement can also be chosen for cooling the energyrecovery cylinder, and the cooling circuit of the further element of theimplement can only be used for heating.

In particular, it is ensured that in the cylinder always the sameoperating pressure exists and that the operating pressure in thecylinder only fluctuates within a specified window. As a result, alwaysa constant or similar force/stroke curve is ensured in the energyrecovery cylinder, independent of the outside temperature or the mode ofoperation.

Both problems can of course be solved not only by connecting a heatexchanger of the energy recovery cylinder to the cooling circuit of analready existing component of an implement, but also by an independentactuation of the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder and/or anonly temporary connection with such cooling circuit.

In particular, a circuit arrangement can be provided, by which the heatexchanger of the energy recovery cylinder is connected with andseparated from the cooling circuit of the already existing component ofthe implement on the basis of an operating parameter, in particular onthe basis of a temperature signal. In particular, the circuitarrangement can employ threshold temperatures, as has been set forthabove.

Beside the implement according to the invention, the present inventionfurthermore comprises a method for operating such implement. Inparticular, the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is increasedand/or reduced thereby. Depending on the embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention, there can also be effected only an increaseor only a reduction of the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder.Advantageously, the increase and/or reduction of the temperature of theenergy recovery cylinder is effected in dependence on at least oneoperating parameter.

Advantageously, the method is effected such as has already beendescribed above with regard to the implement.

Beside the implement and the method, the present invention furthermorecomprises a corresponding energy recovery cylinder. Advantageously, thisenergy recovery cylinder includes a device for adjusting the temperatureor is connectable to such device.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a corresponding device foradjusting the temperature of an energy recovery cylinder.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a set of an energy recoverycylinder and a device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder.

Independent of the above-described implement or energy recovery cylinderwith a device for adjusting the temperature, the present inventionfurthermore comprises an implement, in particular a traveling implement,in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with anelement movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least oneenergy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from themovement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled withgas. In accordance with the invention it now is provided that the energyrecovery cylinder includes a heat exchanger.

The inventors of the present invention now have found that thetemperature of the gas in the gas-filled chamber of the energy recoverycylinder has a great influence on the function of the energy recoverycylinder and hence of the implement. In particular, the force-pathcharacteristic curve of the energy recovery cylinder changes with thetemperature of the gas. By means of the heat exchanger, temperaturefluctuations of the gas and/or too high and/or too low temperatures ofthe gas in the energy recovery cylinder can be reduced or prevented.

In particular, it was found that the gas in the gas-filled chamber canheat up due to the operation. As a result, undesirably high temperaturescan be obtained. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theenergy recovery cylinder according to the invention therefore isequipped with a heat exchanger by which the energy recovery cylinderand/or the gas in the gas-filled chamber can be cooled or is cooled.

Furthermore, also at too low temperatures of the gas (e.g. at lowoutside temperatures) an unfavorable characteristic curve or a too lowcylinder force of the energy recovery cylinder can be obtained. In afurther embodiment of the present invention, the energy recoverycylinder according to the invention therefore is equipped with a heatexchanger by which the energy recovery cylinder and/or the gas in thechamber filled with gas can be heated.

In this way, temperature situations unfavorable for the operation of theimplement can be eliminated or at least be improved.

Advantageously, it is provided that the heat exchanger surrounds thecylinder jacket of the energy recovery cylinder. This provides a largesurface for heat exchange. In addition, the internal structure of theenergy recovery cylinder need not be interfered with.

Advantageously, the present invention is used in an energy recoverycylinder which on its bottom side is filled with gas. The gas in thegas-filled chamber hence is in direct contact with the cylinder jacket,so that the arrangement of the heat exchanger at the cylinder jacket isparticularly advantageous.

Advantageously, the heat exchanger surrounds more than 50% of the outersurface of the cylinder jacket. In a furthermore advantageous way, theheat exchanger surrounds more than 70%, and furthermore advantageouslymore than 90% of the outer surface of the cylinder jacket. This ensuresa particularly good heat transfer.

Heat exchange elements of the heat exchanger can be arranged directly onthe cylinder jacket of the heat exchanger. In an alternative embodiment,however, the heat exchanger comprises a cylinder tube which is arrangedon the outer surface of the cylinder jacket of the energy recoverycylinder in a heat-conducting manner. This simplifies the manufacture ofthe heat exchanger which can be pushed onto the energy recovery cylinderas an autarkical unit.

Depending on its design, the heat exchanger according to the inventioncan be used for an active or also only for a passive cooling or heatingof the energy recovery cylinder.

In a first embodiment of the implement according to the invention, theheat exchanger includes cooling ribs which can be swept by the outsideair. This ensures an efficient cooling of the energy recovery cylinderby the outside air. In particular, the cooling ribs increase the surfaceof the energy recovery cylinder.

Advantageously, the cooling ribs extend from the cylinder jacket of theenergy recovery cylinder or a cylinder tube of the heat exchanger to theoutside. The cooling ribs can extend for example in radial direction, inlongitudinal direction or spirally.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, however, the heatexchanger can include a flow space which is traversed by a coolingfluid. In particular, the flow space includes an inlet and an outlet,with which the heat exchanger can be connected to a cooling circuit andto a heat circuit, respectively. For this purpose, the flow space inparticular includes connecting elements, via which hoses for conductingthe cooling fluid can be connected.

It can be provided that the heat exchanger includes an outer tube whichforms an outer wall of the flow space. In particular, the flow space canbe arranged between the outer surface of the cylinder jacket of theenergy recovery cylinder and the outer tube. In an alternativeembodiment, in which the heat exchanger comprises a cylinder tube whichis arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder jacket in aheat-conducting manner, the flow space can also be arranged between thiscylinder tube and the outer tube.

Furthermore, it can be provided in accordance with the invention thatthe flow space spirally surrounds the cylinder jacket. In this way, aparticularly uniform flow of the cooling fluid through the flow spacecan be ensured. The spiral flow space can be provided by a tube conduitwhich is guided spirally around the cylinder jacket and the cylindertube, respectively. Alternatively, a helical connecting arrangement canalso be provided between the outer tube and the cylinder jacket or thecylinder tube, by which the flow space is spirally divided. The helicalconnecting arrangement can be arranged on the cylinder jacket or on thecylinder tube. In particular, the connecting arrangement can beincorporated in the material of the cylinder jacket or cylinder tube.Alternatively or in addition, the helical connecting arrangement canalso be arranged on the outer tube, in particular be incorporated in thematerial of the outer tube.

The heat exchanger according to the invention can serve for cooling theenergy recovery cylinder or the gas present in the same. Advantageously,the heat exchanger therefore is connected to a cooling circuit of theimplement.

Furthermore, the heat exchanger can serve for heating the energyrecovery cylinder. Advantageously, the heat exchanger therefore isconnected to a heating circuit of the implement. In particular, this iseffected as it is described in detail above with regard to the devicefor adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder.

In particular, the heat exchanger can be connected to a combined coolingand heating circuit of the implement.

Beside the implement, the present invention furthermore comprises anenergy recovery cylinder for an implement as it has been describedabove. The energy recovery cylinder according to the invention inparticular comprises a heat exchanger. Advantageously, the energyrecovery cylinder is constructed as it has been described above.

Particularly preferred uses of the present invention will now briefly bedescribed once more:

The implement according to the invention in particular is a travelingimplement, in particular an excavator or a machine for materialhandling.

The same includes an element movable via at least one working drive,wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energyrecovery from the movement of the movable element. As working drive, inparticular a working hydraulic cylinder can be used.

The energy recovery cylinder with the gas-filled chamber itself servesas energy accumulator for energy recovery from the movement of themovable element. The space formed by the bottom side of the energyrecovery cylinder advantageously is filled with pressurized gas which iscompressed during a movement of the piston rod against the bottom. Theenergy stored then is available again during an upward movement of thepiston rod for supporting the working drive, in particular the workinghydraulic cylinder. In a furthermore advantageous way, the piston rod ofthe energy recovery cylinder is hollow and open towards the bottom side,so that the interior of the piston rod forms a part of the chamberfilled with gas.

The movable element of the implement according to the inventionadvantageously is pivotally attached to the implement about a verticalaxis of rotation and pivotable in a vertical swivel plane via the one ormore working drives. In particular, the movable element is the arm of anexcavator or the boom of a machine for material handling. Furthermoreadvantageously, the traveling implement includes an undercarriage withtraveling gear and an uppercarriage rotatably arranged thereon about avertical axis of rotation, to which the movable element is articulated.

On the movable element a working tool, for example a shovel or a grab,can be arranged. When lowering the movable element, the potential energyof the movable element and of the working tool is stored via the energyrecovery cylinder, in order to at least partly compensate the equipmentweight again during the upward movement of the movable element. As aresult, less energy must be spent via the working drive, in order tomove the movable element upwards. As a result, the energy balance of theimplement is improved, since less installed engine power is required andthe fuel consumption is lowered.

Like the one or more working hydraulic cylinders, the energy recoverycylinder according to the invention advantageously is arranged betweenan uppercarriage of the implement and the movable element. During amovement of the movable element, the energy recovery cylinder thus movessimultaneously with the working hydraulic cylinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference toexemplary embodiments and drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an implement according to theinvention with two working hydraulic cylinders and one energy recoverycylinder,

FIG. 2a shows a schematic diagram of a first variant of the energyrecovery cylinder according to the invention,

FIG. 2b shows a schematic diagram of a second variant of the energyrecovery cylinder according to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an energy recovery cylinderaccording to the invention with a heat exchanger which includes a flowspace through which a cooling fluid can flow,

FIGS. 4a to 4d show four variants of a heat exchanger, as it is shown inFIG. 3, in sectional views, wherein the heat exchanger is arrangeddirectly on the cylinder jacket of the energy recovery cylinder,

FIGS. 5a to 5d show four variants of an energy recovery cylinder with aheat exchanger, as it is shown in FIG. 3, in a sectional view, whereinthe heat exchanger comprises a cylinder tube arranged on the cylinderjacket of the energy recovery cylinder,

FIGS. 6a to 6c show three variants of an exemplary embodiment of anenergy recovery cylinder with cooling ribs,

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to theinvention for adjusting the temperature of an energy recovery cylinder,wherein only a cooling is provided,

FIGS. 8a to 8c show three variants of an exemplary embodiment foradjusting the temperature of an energy recovery cylinder, whereindifferent variants of a heating arrangement are shown.

FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to theinvention for adjusting the temperature of an energy recovery cylinderin two variants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 an exemplary embodiment of an implementwith an energy recovery cylinder will now first be shown in general, inwhich the present invention can be used.

The implement comprises a movable element 2 which is articulated to awelded construction 4 of the implement via a horizontally extendingswivel axis 5. The implement is a hydraulic excavator in which themovable element 2 is mounted around the excavator arm, which isarticulated to the uppercarriage of the excavator. The uppercarriageitself is pivotally attached to an undercarriage with chassis about avertical axis of rotation.

For moving the movable element 2, two working hydraulic cylinders 1 areprovided, which via corresponding articulation points are articulated tothe movable element 2 and to the welded construction 4 of theuppercarriage. Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment of an energyrecovery cylinder 3 according to the invention is provided, which likethe working hydraulic cylinders 1 is arranged between the movableelement 2 and the uppercarriage of the implement 4 and serves for energyrecovery from the movement of the movable element. The energy recoverycylinder 3 is arranged between the two working hydraulic cylinders 1.

On the movable element 2, in this case the excavator boom, a workequipment, for example an excavator shovel, usually is arranged. Whenlowering the movable element 2, the potential energy of the movableelement and of the work equipment should now be recovered and stored, inorder to at least partly compensate the static forces, which otherwisewould rest on the working hydraulic cylinders due to the weight of themovable element and the work equipment, during the upward movement ofthe movable element and to thus have to supply less energy by means ofthe working hydraulic cylinders 1. For this purpose, the hydrauliccylinder according to the invention advantageously includes a chamberfilled with gas. On lowering the movable element, the gas in thegas-filled chamber of the energy recovery cylinder is compressed,whereas it expands on lifting the movable element and thereby supportsthe working hydraulic cylinders 1. For this purpose, the energy recoverycylinder according to the invention advantageously is filled with gas onits bottom side and furthermore advantageously includes a hollow pistonrod open towards the bottom side.

FIGS. 2a and 2b now show schematic drawings of two variants of an energyrecovery cylinder 3. Both exemplary embodiments include a cylinder 10 inwhich a piston rod 11 is axially movably mounted. The piston rod 11 hasthe shape of a hollow cylinder, so that in the interior of the pistonrod 11 a cavity 13 is obtained, which is open towards the bottom side 12of the cylinder. The bottom side 12 of the energy recovery cylinder 3and the cavity 13 in the interior of the piston rod 11 form a coherentchamber which is filled with pressurized gas. During a movement of thepiston rod 11 in the cylinder 10 the size of the bottom side 12 isvaried, so that with fully retracted piston rod 11 the volume filledwith gas substantially corresponds to the cavity 13 in the interior ofthe hollow piston rod, whereas with fully extended piston rod itcorresponds to the volume of this cavity 13 plus the volume of thecylinder 10.

The energy recovery cylinder includes a bottom-side bearing point 15 anda piston-rodside bearing point 16, with which it is articulated to theimplement and movable element. The energy recovery cylinder isarticulated between movable element and implement such that the pistonrod 11 is moved downwards against the bottom of the energy recoverycylinder by the weight of the movable element and the work equipment, sothat the gas volume is compressed. Due to the design of the energyrecovery cylinder according to the invention with a hollow piston rod11, sufficient gas volume also is present with retracted cylinder, inorder to provide for a flat increase in pressure when lowering the workequipment. On the other hand, during an upward movement of the movableelement, part of the weight rests on the gas volume in the energyrecovery cylinder, so that the working hydraulic cylinders no longermust apply the complete static load.

The energy recovery cylinder includes a filling valve 17 for filling thechamber with gas and a pressure limiting valve 18 for limiting the gaspressure. In the first exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2a , the fillingvalve 17 and the pressure limiting valve 18 are arranged on the bottomside. In the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2b , however, thefilling valve 17 and the pressure limiting valve 18 are arranged on theside of the piston rod.

The energy recovery cylinders shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b are two-sidedhydraulic cylinders, so that an annular space 14 is provided, which isconnectable to a hydraulic system of the implement via a port 12. Thebottom side also can include a port via which it is connectable to ahydraulic system of the implement.

As shown in FIG. 2b , the gas volume in the energy recovery cylinder canbe varied by supplying or discharging oil to or from the energy recoverycylinder. In the second exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2b , a port 20 forsupplying oil therefore is provided, by which the bottom space of theenergy recovery cylinder is connectable to a hydraulic system of theimplement.

The inventors of the present invention have found that in operation ofan energy recovery cylinder heat is generated by the compression of thegas, due to which the energy recovery cylinder can heat up in anuncontrolled way. In addition, the characteristic curve of the energyrecovery cylinder is changed in dependence on the temperature of the gasin the chamber filled with gas.

In a first aspect, the present invention therefore provides an energyrecovery cylinder with a heat exchanger. Advantageously, the same atleast provides for cooling the energy recovery cylinder. Cooling can beeffected in an active or passive way. Alternatively or in addition, theheat exchanger can, however, also serve for heating the energy recoverycylinder.

A first exemplary embodiment of such energy recovery cylinder is shownin FIG. 3. The energy recovery cylinder includes a heat exchanger 30with a flow space which is connectable to a cooling circuit and throughwhich a cooling fluid can flow. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 30includes ports 31 and 32, via which it is connectable to the coolingcircuit, in particular via hose lines.

The heat exchanger 30 is arranged on the cylinder jacket 10 of theenergy recovery cylinder and in the exemplary embodiment substantiallyextends along the entire length of the cylinder jacket, in order to thusprovide for a heat transfer as good as possible between the gas in theinterior of the energy recovery cylinder and the cooling fluid.

FIGS. 4a to 4d now show four variants of such a heat exchanger, whereinthe heat exchanger is arranged directly on the cylinder jacket 10. InFIGS. 4a to 4c , the cylinder jacket 10 of the energy recovery cylinderforms a boundary wall of the flow space of the heat exchanger. There isprovided an outer tube 35 which is pushed over the cylinder jacket 10and forms an outer wall of the flow space of the energy recoverycylinder.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4a , a simple cylindricalsleeve 35 is provided as outer tube, which is arranged directly on thecylinder jacket 10, so that the flow space forms a hollow cylindricalspace between the cylinder jacket 10 and the outer tube 35.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c , the flow space41 on the other hand extends spirally around the energy recoverycylinder. In this way, a more uniform distribution of heat in the flowspace is achieved. For this purpose, a spiral helix can be provided inthe flow space, which divides the same into a spiral extension.

In FIG. 4b , the spiral flow space 41 is generated in that the cylinderjacket 10 includes a spiral helix 36 which generates the spiral flowspace 41. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4c , this isrealized on the outer tube 35 which includes the spiral helix 37.

The flow space 41 hence is provided by the spiral helix or thecorresponding spiral recesses in the cylinder jacket 10 or in the outertube 35, which are arranged between the helices 36 and 37, respectively.These recesses can be incorporated in the material of the cylinderjacket 10 and of the outer tube 35, respectively. Alternatively, aspiral helix might also be arranged as separate element between cylinderjacket 10 and outer tube 35.

In FIG. 4d , on the other hand, the heat exchanger includes a tubeelement 38 which is wound spirally around the energy recovery cylinderand thus provides the flow space.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4a to 4d , the outer tube 35and the tube element 38 each are arranged directly on the cylinderjacket 10. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d , on theother hand, a cylinder tube 45 is provided, which in a heat-conductingmanner is arranged directly on the cylinder jacket 10. In FIGS. 5a to 5d, this cylinder tube 45 performs the same function as the cylinderjacket 10 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4a to 4d . Due to thecylinder tube, the heat exchanger forms a separate functional unit whichcan be pushed onto the energy recovery cylinder as a whole. Otherwise,the design of the heat exchangers in FIGS. 5a to 5d corresponds to thedesign shown in FIGS. 4a to 4 d.

FIGS. 6a to 6c show three variants of a heat exchanger which is based onthe principle of air cooling. For this purpose, the heat exchangerincludes cooling ribs 50, 51, 52, which are swept by the outside air andthus withdraw heat from the energy recovery cylinder. The cooling ribsare arranged on the cylinder jacket 10. Here as well, however, asalready described above, an additional cylinder tube might be arrangedon the cylinder jacket 10, on which the cooling ribs are arranged.

Depending on the design, the cooling ribs can be shaped differently. Theaim is to ensure a large surface area and a good sweeping of the coolingribs.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6a radial cooling ribs 50 areprovided, which, as can be taken from the sectional view along thelongitudinal axis of the energy recovery cylinder, extend in planesvertical to the longitudinal axis of the energy recovery cylinder andaround the energy recovery cylinder.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6b , on the other hand,cooling ribs 51 are provided, which extend in longitudinal direction ofthe energy recovery cylinder. This becomes particularly clear from thesectional view vertical to the longitudinal axis of the energy recoverycylinder, which is shown on the right.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6c , on the other hand, spiralcooling ribs are shown, which extend spirally around the energy recoverycylinder.

In a further aspect of the present invention a device for adjusting thetemperature of an energy recovery cylinder is provided. The device foradjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder can serve forcooling the energy recovery cylinder. Alternatively or in addition, thedevice can also serve for heating the energy recovery cylinder.

Advantageously, the device serves for adjusting the operatingtemperature of the energy recovery cylinder or of the gas arranged inthe same. Advantageously, the adjustment of the temperature is effectedon the basis of at least one operating parameter of the implement, whichis introduced as input quantity into a controller for actuating thedevice for adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder.

Furthermore advantageously, a temperature sensor is provided, whereinthe actuation of the device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder is effected on the basis of a signal of thetemperature sensor.

Advantageously, the device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder comprises a heat exchanger with a flow space, as ithas been described above. In particular when the device is used forcooling the energy recovery cylinder, such heat exchanger provides forconnecting the energy recovery cylinder to a cooling circuit.

FIG. 7 now shows such an exemplary embodiment of a device for adjustingthe temperature of the energy recovery cylinder 3. The energy recoverycylinder 3 includes a heat exchanger 30 with a flow space, which isconnected to a cooling circuit 65 via the input and the output 31 and32, respectively. Through the cooling circuit 65 cooling fluid is pumpedby means of a pump 66. In the cooling circuit 65 a cooling unit 60 isarranged, by means of which the cooling fluid can be cooled. The coolingunit 60 comprises a further heat exchanger 61 and a fan 62 by means ofwhich the heat exchanger 61 is cooled.

In this exemplary embodiment, the cooling fluid therefore flows throughthe external heat exchanger 61 by means of a circulation pump 66. Inthis heat exchanger 61, the fluid is cooled down by means of theseries-connected fan and again pumped into the cooling circuit. In thisway, excess heat which is produced during operation of the energyrecovery cylinder 3 can be dissipated. Advantageously, the actuation ofthe cooling circuit and its components is effected by a controller.Advantageously, the actuation is effected on the basis of an operatingparameter, in particular on the basis of the signal of a temperaturesensor.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an active heating of theenergy recovery cylinder is not possible. However, the energy recoverycylinder anyway heats up during operation due to the compression of thegas.

In FIGS. 8a to 8c , however, three variants of a device for adjustingthe temperature of the energy recovery cylinder are shown, which providefor an active heating of the energy recovery cylinder. In the exemplaryembodiments, these devices for heating the energy recovery cylinder areshown in combination with a device for cooling the energy recoverycylinder. The devices for heating the energy recovery cylinder might,however, also be provided alone and without a device for cooling. Adevice for heating the energy recovery cylinder in particular can beused in cool regions, or when the device is operated electrically.

In FIG. 8a , the heating of the energy recovery cylinder is effected inthat a heating element 70 for heating the cooling fluid is integratedinto the cooling circuit shown in FIG. 7. The cooling circuit henceserves as heating circuit for the energy recovery cylinder. Accordingly,the heating of the energy recovery cylinder operates according to theprinciple of a stationary heating. In this case, the cooling fluid inthe cooling circuit is heated by an electric heating coil in the heatingelement 70 and pumped through the heat exchanger 30 by means of thecirculation pump 66. This concept can also be realized without an activecooling, in that the cooling arrangement 60 is omitted.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8b , however, a heatingelement arranged directly on the energy recovery cylinder 3 is provided.In particular, an electric heating blanket can be provided, which isarranged around the energy recovery cylinder. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 8c , however, the heating of the energyrecovery cylinder is effected by means of friction elements 72, whichunder the control of an actuator 75 can be applied to the cylinder rod11 and thus selectively generate friction for heating the energyrecovery cylinder. The heating devices shown in FIGS. 8b and 8c also canbe used either in combination with a cooling arrangement orindependently.

The energy recovery cylinder need not be fed via a separate coolingcircuit. Rather, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the energyrecovery cylinder is connected to the cooling circuit of a furthercomponent of the implement, in particular to the cooling circuit of theinternal combustion engine or the hydraulic system of the implement.

The heat exchanger can constantly be traversed by the cooling fluid fromthe cooling circuit of the implement, or be connected to said coolingcircuit under the control of a circuit arrangement. The cooling fluidfrom the cooling circuit of the implement always has a constanttemperature. In this way, two problems are solved at the same time: Atthe beginning of a working cycle, the cooling circuit can bring theenergy recovery cylinder to a constant operating temperature. In thisway, it is ensured that always the same operating pressure exists in thecylinder. As a result, always a constant force/stroke curve is ensuredin the gas cylinder, independent of the outside temperature. The secondpoint is the cooling of the energy recovery cylinder. In this way, itcan be prevented that the temperature of the energy recovery cylinderrises excessively and the burst fuses are activated.

The temperature of the energy recovery cylinder preferably is actuatedvia a controller and furthermore advantageously controlled via thesignal of a temperature sensor. FIG. 9 now shows an exemplary embodimentof such a system. A temperature sensor 95 is provided at the energyrecovery cylinder, which measures the temperature of the gas in thechamber filled with gas. Alternatively, the temperature sensor mightalso measure the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder or of thecooling fluid. In dependence on the temperature of the temperaturesensor 95, the device for adjusting the temperature of the energyrecovery cylinder now is actuated by a controller. In particular,depending on the temperature, a device for heating and/or a device forcooling the energy recovery cylinder is switched on or off.

In an advantageous variant, the device for adjusting the temperature isoperated such that the gas cylinder is operated in a defined gastemperature window between a minimum and a maximum operatingtemperature. This means, at temperatures below the minimum operatingtemperature the gas is brought to the minimum operating temperature bymeans of the engine circuit 80 or an external source. When the minimumoperating temperature is reached, the heating circuit is switched offand the gas cylinder now operates autarkically. When the maximumoperating temperature is exceeded, the cooling circuit is activated. Inthis case, for example, cooling liquid an be pumped through the heatexchanger only in the circuit without a cooler. Alternatively, anadditional fan cooler can be provided, by which the cooling liquid iscooled.

Advantageously, the operating temperature window is chosen such that theheating and cooling control circuit is required only to a small extent.The primary objective here is to keep the energy expenditure foradjusting the temperature as small as possible. Here, for example aworking range between 25° C. and 40° C. can be chosen as temperaturewindow.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a switching valve 85 isprovided for actuation in the cooling circuit, by which the heatexchanger 30 alternatingly can be connected with a device for heating 80and a device for cooling 60. In the exemplary embodiment, the device 80is the cooling circuit of a further element of the implement, inparticular of the excavator, which here performs the function of heatingthe energy recovery cylinder. Alternatively, a separate heat sourcemight be used. For cooling, a separate cooling circuit with a coolingelement 60 and a circulation pump 66 is provided, wherein the coolingcircuit advantageously has a power of more than one kilowatt,advantageously of more than three kilowatt and furthermoreadvantageously of about 5kilowatt.

The actuation explained above now is effected in that below the minimumoperating temperature the heat exchanger is connected with the heatsource 80 and above the maximum operating temperature with the coolingcircuit. Between the minimum and the maximum operating temperature, thecooling circuit can be connected to the cooling arrangement 60, withoutthe same being operated.

Alternatively, the circuit arrangement designated with the referencenumeral 90 in FIG. 9 can be chosen as variant, by which the heatexchanger of the energy recovery cylinder can be separated both from theheating arrangement 80 and from the cooling arrangement 60.

A corresponding actuation can of course also be effected in theexemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 8 by correspondingly switching onand off the heating and the cooling unit, respectively.

In different aspects, the present invention provides for operating theenergy recovery cylinder with a rather constant operating temperature.On the one hand, it can thus be prevented in accordance with theinvention that the gas cylinder heats up in an undefined way.Furthermore, the gas can be heated when necessary, so that the implementcan be operated with a rather constant force/path characteristic curveof the energy recovery cylinder.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An implement for an excavator or materialhandling, and comprising an element (2) movable via at least one workingdrive, at least one energy recovery cylinder (3) provided for energyrecovery from the movement of the movable element (2), a chamber (13)fillable with gas and located within the energy recovery cylinder (3), apiston rod (11) arranged to extend into and retract out from the energyrecovery cylinder (3) to change volume of the chamber (13) and define aportion of an outer surface of the chamber (13), a heat exchanger (30,35, 38, 50, 51, 52) for adjusting the temperature of the energy recoverycylinder (3) and arranged upon and surrounding the energy recoverycylinder (3), wherein the heat exchanger has an outer tube (35) directlyarranged on a jacket (10) of the cylinder (3), and with the cylinderjacket (10) forming a boundary wall of flow space (40) within the heatexchanger (30), wherein either the outer tube (35) or cylinder jacket(10) includes a spiral helix (36,37) defining a flow space (41)extending spirally around the energy recovery cylinder (3), and frictionelements (72) arranged to be applied to the piston rod (11), and anactuator (75) arranged for controlling the friction elements (72). 2.The implement according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger isactuated on the basis of at least one operating parameter of theimplement.
 3. The implement according to claim 1, wherein a temperaturesensor is provided, the actuation of the heat exchanger is effected onthe basis of a signal of the temperature sensor, and the temperaturesensor advantageously determines the outside temperature and/or thetemperature of the energy recovery cylinder and/or the temperature ofthe gas in the chamber filled with gas and/or the temperature of acooling fluid.
 4. The implement according to claim 3, further comprisingan input (31) and output (32) to and from the flow space, a circuit (65)connected with the input and output (31, 32), an additional coolingdevice (60) and an additional heating device (80) coupled with thecircuit (65), and a valve (85) arranged in the circuit (65) foralternately coupling the heat exchanger (30) with the cooling or heatingdevice (60, 80).
 5. The implement according to claim 1, wherein the heatexchanger is actuated via a controller such that the energy recoverycylinder is heated below a first threshold temperature and/or cooledabove a second threshold temperature and/or no cooling and/or heating iseffected within a temperature window.
 6. The implement according toclaim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to a cooling circuitand through which a cooling fluid flows, and advantageously the coolingcircuit includes a cooling unit for cooling the cooling fluid and/or aheating unit for heating the cooling fluid.
 7. The implement accordingto claim 6, wherein the cooling circuit is connected to a coolingcircuit of a component of the implement, wherein the component includesan internal combustion engine and/or a hydraulic system of theimplement.
 8. The implement according to claim 1, wherein the heatexchanger has a tube element (38) spirally-wound directly around thecylinder jacket (10) of the cylinder (3).
 9. The implement according toclaim 1, wherein the heat exchanger (30) further comprises an innercylinder tube (45), wherein the outer and inner cylinder tubes (35, 45)are secured to the energy recovery cylinder (3) as a whole and defininga flow space (40) therebetween.
 10. The implement according to claim 9,wherein the inner tube (45) includes a spiral helix (36, 37) definingthe flow space (41) extending spirally between the outer and innercylinder tubes (35, 45).
 11. The implement according to claim 1, furthercomprising an input (31) and output (32) to and from the flow space, andadditionally comprising a cooling circuit (65) connected with the inputand output (31, 32), a pump (66) arranged for pumping cooling fluidthrough the cooling circuit (65), and a cooling unit (60) arrangedwithin the cooling circuit (65) and comprising a further heat exchanger(61) and fan (62).
 12. The implement according to claim 1, furthercomprising an input (31) and output (32) to and from the flow space, andadditionally comprising a circuit (65) connected with the input andoutput (31, 32), a pump (66) arranged for pumping fluid through thecircuit (65), and a heating element (70) arranged within the circuit(65).
 13. The implement according to claim 12, additionally comprising acooling unit (60) arranged within the circuit (65), said cooling unit(60) comprising a further heat exchanger (61) and a fan (62).
 14. Theimplement according to claim 1, additionally comprising a circuit (65)connected with the heat exchanger (30, 35, 38, 50, 51, 52), a pump (66)arranged for pumping fluid through the circuit (65), and a separate heatexchanger (61) and fan (62) arranged within the circuit (65).
 15. Theimplement according to claim 1, wherein said at least one working drivecomprises two working hydraulic drive cylinders (1,1) mounted onopposite sides of the energy recovery cylinder (2) from one another, theworking hydraulic cylinders (1, 1) and the energy recovery cylinder (2)are articulated to the movable element (2), the element (2) isarticulated to a construction (4) about a swivel axis (5), and theworking hydraulic cylinders (1, 1) and the energy recovery cylinder (2)are articulated to the construction (4) opposite the movable element(2).
 16. The implement according to claim 15, wherein the movableelement (2) is an excavator shovel.
 17. The implement of claim 1,wherein the frictional elements are applied to the cylinder rod (11),and thereby generates friction to heat the energy recovery cylinder (3).18. The implement of claim 17, wherein the frictional elements (72) arepositioned outside of a housing of the cylinder rod (10) and adjacent tothe cylinder rod (11).
 19. An implement for an excavator or materialhandling, and comprising an element (2) movable via at least one workingdrive, at least one energy recovery cylinder (3) provided for energyrecovery from the movement of the movable element (2), a chamber (13)fillable with gas and located within the energy recovery cylinder (3), apiston rod (11) arranged to extend into and retract out from the energyrecovery cylinder (3) to change volume of the chamber (13) and define aportion of an outer surface of the chamber (13), an electronic heatingblanket arranged around the energy recovery cylinder, and a heatexchanger (30, 35, 38, 50, 51, 52) for adjusting the temperature of theenergy recovery cylinder (3) and arranged upon and surrounding theenergy recovery cylinder (3).
 20. The implement according to claim 19,wherein the heat exchanger (30) has a tube element (38) spirally-wounddirectly around a cylinder tube (45) secured to the energy recoverycylinder (3).
 21. The implement according to claim 19, wherein the heatexchanger has cooling ribs (50, 51, 52) directly arranged on either thecylinder jacket (10) of the energy recovery cylinder (3) or a tube (45)separately secured to the energy recovery cylinder (3).
 22. Theimplement according to claim 21, wherein the ribs (50, 51, 52) extendradially around, longitudinally along or spirally around the energyrecovery cylinder (3).
 23. The implement of claim 19, wherein: theenergy recovery cylinder includes a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end, the second longitudinal end is opposite the firstlongitudinal end, wherein the electronic heating blanket covers anentire area of the energy recovery cylinder from the first longitudinalend to the second longitudinal end.